Shoulder decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hip arthritis and right shoulder condition have been reopened. However, the Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability and obstructive sleep apnea due to potential issues with medical opinions and missing VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to use of custom insoles/sling supports was denied as shoes are not classified as articles of 'clothing' that can be damaged by wear and tear for purposes of a VA clothing allowance.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. The shoulder injury and trigger finger are denied, but the case for chronic rhinitis and sinusitis is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for chronic kidney disease and dismissed all increased rating claims for DJD in the shoulders, knees, and lumbar spine.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and right elbow disorders have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding records and incomplete medical histories.

The Board has decided to remand the TDIU claim due to insufficient medical inquiry into the Veteran's employability. The case is returned for further development and consideration.

The Board has denied service connection for cervical spine disorder, bilateral shoulder disorders, lumbosacral spine disorder, bilateral hip disorders, and poly-arthritis as there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service. The Veteran's combat injury in Vietnam does not establish a nexus between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right shoulder osteoarthritis, a neck disorder (DJD), and headaches. The claims for knee disorders were denied as there was no evidence of in-service injury or chronic condition.

The Board has denied service connection for groin and left shoulder disabilities due to lack of current diagnosis. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder torn cartilage and bilateral knee degenerative joint disease, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C, finding no current diagnosis of the condition. Service connection was granted for bilateral shoulder disabilities, attributed to in-service lifting duties and related pain.,Service connection for hepatitis C was denied due to lack of a current diagnosis. The Veteran's bilateral shoulder disabilities were found to be related to his service-connected migraines and repetitive microtrauma.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine and PTSD disabilities, but has not yet decided whether these claims are well-grounded or granted. The case is REMANDED to allow further development.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for obesity, diabetes mellitus type II, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and osteoarthritis (including of the bilateral hands, right knee, right hip, left shoulder, and neck), all claimed as secondary to service-connected cognitive disorder. The claims are remanded for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient explanation in the medical opinion regarding the service connection for right (major) shoulder degenerative arthritis, status post-arthroscopy x 3.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea and tinnitus. The remaining claims are pending further development.

The Veteran's PTSD, bilateral wrist disorder, and other service-connected conditions have been granted initial disability ratings. The TDIU claim for the period prior to February 23, 2018, has also been granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including back, right shoulder, right hip, and right knee disabilities, all secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. The claims are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of left shoulder disability and GERD due to lack of probative value in the previous VA examination.